Question

Liver problems

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About 3 weeks ago i had a rash, and the Dr sent me to get some blood work.Well a about a week and a half later the Dr called and said i needed to get the blood work repeated, but didnt really say why. Well yesterday i had a checkup and the Dr said once again i need to go have blood work done again because my liver function is down. He really didnt say much other than that. I went and got the blood work done, but havent heard back yet. I have no history of any liver problems, im only 22, do not smoke, drink, or do any drugs. Anyone else have this issue? Or have any idea what could be causing this?

Mom Answers

The exact cause is not clear. Hormonal and genetic factors may be responsible..
Hormone factors. Pregnancy causes an increase in oestrogen and progestogen hormones. These can affect the liver in a way which slows down the rate of bile passing out along the tiny bile ducts. Some pregnant women may be more sensitive to these hormone effects.
Genetic factors. Obstetric cholestasis seems to run in some families (although it may skip some generations). One theory is that women who develop obstetric cholestasis may inherit a slight problem with the way bile is made and passes down the bile ducts. This does not matter when not pregnant. However, the high level of hormones made during pregnancy may 'tip the balance' to cause a much reduced flow of bile.
There may be other environmental factors which contribute. However, whatever the underlying cause, the pregnancy 'triggers' the problem. Within a week or so after giving birth the symptoms clear and there is no long term problem with the

Did your doctor say if it was cholestasis? Cholestasis is a liver disease that only happens in pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones affect gallbladder function, resulting in slowing or stopping the flow of bile. The gallbladder holds bile that is produced in the liver, which is necessary in the breakdown of fats in digestion. When the bile flow is stopped or slowed down, this causes a build up of bile acids in the liver which can spill into the bloodstream. This can result in an itchy rash on the hands & feet, dark urine, light colored bowels, fatigue, loss of appetite, and depression. Cholestasis can be diagnosed by blood tests to evaluate liver function, bile acid and bilirubin. It is critical to have your blood monitored because if levels get too high, it can be dangerous for baby. If bile acids in your blood get too high, you may be induced early.

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